5 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Reading
Reading Motivators for Kids in Middle School
Thanks to TorBooks for this great guest post!
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set,
I go into the other room and read a book.”
― Groucho Marx
Looking to empower your middle schooler to read? Don’t miss these expert hints, best practices and fun ideas for motivating even the most stubborn reader.
1. Start a series: Nothing hooks a young reader (well a reader of any age) than a strong story that lasts through many books. Not only does it motivate regular reading for children, but an engaging book series can foster a lifelong interest in reading and storytelling. One series that is a MUST for fall is Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians! This riveting, funny, action-packed series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson just published its 5th installment, The Dark Talent, available now. Your middle schooler will love it!
By weaving together the worlds of fantasy, young adventure, and everyone’s favorite shushers, librarians, the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series is in a class all its own. Your middle grade reader can completely relate to Alcatraz, the main character, who turns 13 and discovers his destiny to defeat the cult of evil Librarians who are taking over the world by spreading misinformation and suppressing truth. Nancy Pearl of NPR’s Mourning Edition says Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians is “an excellent choice to read aloud to the whole family.” Get your copy today!
2. Be a reading role model: Want to help your kids read more? Then pick up a book! As a parent, your role as mentor and model can come in the least obvious ways. Instead of swiping through Facebook on your phone after dinner, pick up a book and encourage your child to do the same. When reading is important to you, it will be for them as well. Talk to each other afterwards about what you’re reading, or find a book you can both enjoy together.
3. Let kids choose: Inspire your young reader to find a book that totally jives with their interests and likes—is it science fiction? Fantasy? Sports? While their teachers are picking out great books to read for class that will teach students reading and writing skills they need to learn, those reads aren’t always going to be right up your child’s alley. That’s why giving them the freedom and encouragement to find new and interesting books that suit their likes and interest, whether online or at the library, is so important to motivating them to read more.
4. Reading rewards: Extra incentives to read regularly are just icing on top of the cake. Parents love this idea of sharing gummy “book” worms as a snack for kids while they read. Download and print a free "book worms" label for your kids reading snack today, click here!
5. Mesh their worlds: If online gaming or social media is where your middle-schooler likes to spend their time, find a way to mesh their online world with their offline reading. Encourage them to share with friends what they’re reading by posting a picture on Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat (ages 13+). Or use this free printable Reading Bingo sheet to gamify their reading experience and get them hooked on the FUN of picking up a good book.
